THE M.E.N. is backing an exciting new clean-up initiative aimed at encouraging Mancunians to be even more proud of their city.

We want local residents to roll up their sleeves and get involved in the venture designed to alleviate the city's growing rubbish problem.

The `Be Proud of Manchester' campaign, a city-wide clean-up operation being launched by Manchester city council, is hoping to attract local residents, schools, businesses and community groups throughout the region. The aim is for people to give some of their spare time to help lower rubbish levels in the city before the Commonwealth Games.

Games volunteers are also set to play an active part in the initiative, being run in association with BBC GMR Radio.

It is hoped the campaign, which is on until May 31, will help improve local "grot spots".

A trial clean-up operation took place in Beswick last week in an area that suffers badly from rubbish problems.

Local youngsters from the Church of England School of the Resurrection acted as the first rubbish `hit squad' to be sent out in the city to clean away unwanted litter. Further hit squads will take to the streets over the next few months.

For more details on how to get involved with the clean-up scheme contact Manchester city council's Operational Services Department on 0161 718 4800 or 0161 234 3729.